The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Arts and Cultural Empowerment (ACE) Awards. The ACE Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose contributions to arts and culture make Wichita County a more vibrant and creative place to live.

The 2025 ACE Award winners are:

Outstanding Arts Educator – Shawn Ramos, Wichita Falls ISD
Artist of the Year – Josh Taylor
Distinguished Cultural Organization – Backdoor Theatre
Nadine McKown Volunteer Service Award – Meg Nester
Arts Partnership Champion – Wichita County Sheriff’s Office
Margie J. Reese Innovation Award – Wichita County Commissioner Mark Beauchamp
Mayor’s Choice Award – Brenda Jarrett

This year’s luncheon featured a keynote address by Chris Kiley, Executive Director of Texans for the Arts, a statewide nonprofit advocating for increased public investment in the arts. With more than two decades of experience in arts leadership and policy, Kiley shared insights on how the arts drive economic growth and community well-being.

The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture congratulates all honorees and thanks the community for its ongoing support of arts and culture across the region.